Applying from South Africa?

Here's all the information you need to study with us

If you’re from South Africa and interested in studying in the UK, the University of Portsmouth is a great place to fulfil your ambitions. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to help you get here.

On this page, you'll find information about where you can meet us in your region, what you need to do to apply for a course with us and contact details for our people in your area.

Entry requirements for students from South Africa

If you're joining us from South Africa, the entry requirements you need to meet will depend on the course you want to study.

We consider all applications we receive. However, to make sure you get the most out of your time studying with us and have the best chance of applying successfully, we recommend the following minimum qualifications:

Foundation courses

If you have completed the National School Certificate, you'll usually need to do a foundation year before doing an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree.

Undergraduate courses

If you've completed the Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement), we'll consider you for admission onto an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree. The grades required will vary according to the course you wish to study. You can use the table below to calculate grade equivalency:

A Level

UCAS Tariff Points

Comparable Offer

AAA

360

AAAAB / 77776 / 95-100%

AAB

340

AAABB / 77766 / 90-94%

ABB

320

AABBB / 77666 / 85-89%

BBB

300

ABBBB / 76666 / 80-84%

BBC

280

BBBBB / 66666 / 75-79%

BCC

260

BBBBC / 66665 / 70-74%

CCC

240

BBBCC / 66655 / 60-69%

You can also apply with:

A levels

Please check your specific course page to find the exact number of points needed. Your A level grades should equal or exceed the total points required. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your total points.

Some courses will require you to have studied specific subjects at A level. For example, to study a science course you will usually need to have achieved passing grades in scientific subjects at A level.

A level points: A* = 56 A = 48 B = 40 C = 32 D = 24.

International Baccalaureate

Most courses will require between 24 and 31 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB), depending on the degree you apply for.

You may be able to join an undergraduate course with other qualifications. We do consider qualifications from a range of sources. Contact us to find out more.

Postgraduate courses

For entry to our postgraduate Master's programmes, you'll usually need to have Bachelor's degree from a recognised Higher Education institution.

As a general rule, a grade of 60-64% is considered equivalent to a 2:2, whereas 65% or higher is equivalent to a 2:1.

PhDs

English language requirements

When you join us, it’s important that you can speak and understand English to the level that your course requires. The specific English language requirements will be on your chosen course page.

We accept a Grade C or above in First Language English or Home Language on the South Africa National Senior Certificate, IELTS, IGCSE and several other certificates, but don’t worry if you're currently short of the standard required – we offer English Language Programmes that will get you to the necessary level.

What to do next

Ready to start your adventure with us? Whether you know which degree course you want to do or not, get in touch with us now or meet us at an event near you to discuss your next steps.

Our Global Officers are experts in helping students from South Africa, like you, to apply to join us. Whatever you want to know, just ask.

Scholarships and Bursaries

As a student from South Africa, you can apply for various scholarships and bursaries, including the International Alumni Referral Award and Chevening Scholarship. You can find more information about these on our funding page.

Representatives and agents

If you want to learn more about studying with us or you want help with your application, contact one of our official representatives in South Africa: